City to Begin Fire Hydrant Flushing This Week

November 6, 2023
By: Dwayne Page

The City of Smithville has contracted with Rogers hydrant service to flush fire hydrants over a two-week period starting this week from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m.

The annual flushing of water mains via fire hydrants is a standard maintenance process that improves water quality at the tap by removing accumulated minerals, sediment and tuberculation in the lines (a buildup common in iron pipes that reduces its ability to transmit water). This also helps identify hydrants in need of repair.

The flushing process can cause low water pressure and frequently disturbs the accumulated minerals and sediment in the water mains. The quick release of water from a hydrant causes them to dissolve and temporarily discolor the water delivered to homes and businesses.

“Although, the water is perfectly safe we recommend running a cold water tap for several minutes to help clear the discoloration before using it for drinking or laundry. Please check your washing machine before using it as you may experience discolored clothing due to hydrant flushing,” said Kevin Robinson, City Public Works Director.

The fire hydrant flushing only affects the City of Smithville and its water customers.

November 5, 2023
By: Dwayne Page

Smithville Elementary School renewed its in-person Veteran’s Day tribute a week ahead of the official observance last Thursday, November 2 in the auditorium of the county complex.

Veterans in attendance were the honored guests for the assembly which featured songs of praise and patriotism from children as young as kindergarten to second grade age along with SES teachers, staff, parents, and the public.

Although many of the youngsters may have been too young to understand the significance of the occasion, SES Principal Anita Puckett said it was important for them to be exposed to some of the community’s hometown heroes.

“If there is anything these students take away from their experience at Smithville Elementary School is that we value those that have served our country for our freedom. I know they may be too young but with knowledge is power. I never want these children to ever take for granted the opportunities that this country has and the freedom we have been given due to those that have served. I am grateful to each of you,” said Principal Puckett in her welcoming remarks.

The program then continued with a recording of the National Anthem by the United States Marine Band, a music video of Daily & Vincent’s “Unsung Heroes”, and a recognition by Erica Birmingham of all veterans in attendance. Each of the classes sang along with recorded military tributes to the veterans including kindergarten students who joined in singing “The Army Goes Rolling Along”; first graders who sang “The Marine’s Hymn”, and “Wild Blue Yonder”; and Second graders singing “Anchors Aweigh” and “Semper Paratus”.

Misty Agee then read the following poem by author Jonanna Fuchs:

“On Veteran’s Day we honor
Soldiers who protect our nation.
For their service as our warriors,
They deserve our admiration.

Some of them were drafted;
Some were volunteers;
For some it was just yesterday;
For some it’s been many years;

In the jungle or the desert,
On land or on the sea,
They did whatever was assigned
To produce a victory.

Some came back; some didn’t.
They defended us everywhere.
Some saw combat; some rode a desk;
All of them did their share.

No matter what the duty,
For low pay and little glory,
These soldiers gave up normal lives,
For duties mundane and gory.

Let every veteran be honored;
Don’t let politics get in the way.
Without them, freedom would have died;
What they did, we can’t repay.

We owe so much to them,
Who kept us safe from terror,
So when we see a uniform,
Let’s say “thank you” to every wearer”.

The assembly of children and others then joined in singing with Lee Greenwood’s recording of “God Bless the USA” which was followed by Principal Puckett reading from Psalms 33:12-22 as a blessing to the veterans before closing the program.

A special thanks to the veterans who attended the program including the following and their branch of military service:

Norm Osburn, Army
Dale Pedigo, Army and Civil Service
Shannon Postle, Navy
Family of Clyde Thomas, Navy
Caleb Tramel, Marine Corps
Michael Peterson, Marine Corps
Ken Werner, Marine Corps
Julie Goodrich, Air Force
Dean Broadhead, Air Force
Robert “Bobcat” Secott, Air Force
Ronnie Redmon Sr, Air Force
Phil Prater, Army
Nathan Thomas, Army
Ronald Miller, Army
Jesus Hernandez, Army
James Wilmoth, Army
Charles Cantrell, Army
Ben Franklin, Army
Michael Cooper, Army
Michael VanDyne, Army
Jim Tollison, Army
Ronnie Bates, Army
Jerry Hinton, Army
Ed Bray, Army
Thomas Garrett, Army
Mark Rennaker, Army
Clyde Miller, Army National Guard
Glenn Worley, Marine Corps
Joshua Howe, Marine Corps
John Hummer, Marine Corps
Jacob Rankhorn, Marine Corps
Dane Powell, Marine Corps

November 5, 2023
By: Dwayne Page

Royalty were crowned in eight categories during Saturday’s Annual Fall Fest Pageants sponsored by the Last Minute Toy Shop non-profit organization.

Deanna Marie Agee, 15-year-old daughter of David and Dama Agee of Smithville was crowned queen of the age 15-18 category.

Baylei Anne Benson, 12-year-old daughter of Karey and John Washer and Christopher Benson of Smithville won the Fall Fest Queen crown of the age 11-14 group. She was also awarded for prettiest hair, attire, and most photogenic.

First runner-up was Kenli Faith Fish, 13-year-old daughter of Tiffany Pedigo and Cody Fish of Smithville.
Charley Loren Prichard was second runner-up and was awarded for prettiest smile. She is the daughter of Andy and Chrissy Prichard of Liberty.

11-year-old Arraya Jenae Taylor was judged to have the prettiest eyes. She is the daughter of Angie Taylor of Smithville.

Other participants were 11-year-old Lyra Dell McMinn, daughter of Jake and Amanda Franklin; and Mila Goff, 11-year-old daughter of James and Krista Goff of Smithville.

Charlee Mac Winfree, 8-year-old daughter of Ryan and Lindsy Winfree of Smithville was the winner of the Fall Fest Pageant in the age 7-10 category Saturday. She was also awarded for prettiest hair and attire and she received the people’s choice optional award.

First runner-up was Maddie Moore, 9-year-old daughter of Andrew and Alli Moore of Smithville. Second runner-up was Stella Grace Adcock, 9-year-old daughter of Byron and Paige Adcock of Smithville. Adcock was also awarded for prettiest smile and eyes.

Rozlyn Marie Prichard, 6-year-old daughter of Mark and Amanda Prichard of Smithville is the Fall Fest Queen for ages 4-6. She was also awarded Saturday for prettiest attire and smile.

First runner-up was Kathryn Ann Williams, 6-year-old daughter of Dillon and Hailey Williams of Alexandria. She was also awarded for prettiest hair, eyes and for being most photogenic.

Winners of the Fall Fest Pageant (girls ages 25-48 months):
Queen- Sydney Ann Barrett, 25-month-old daughter of Stephen and Vickey Barrett of Dowelltown. She was also awarded for prettiest eyes.

First runner-up: Jazmin Ariel Perez, 3-year-old daughter of Joel Perez and Blanca Jones of Smithville. Perez was also awarded for prettiest hair, attire, most photogenic and for the people’s choice award.

Second runner-up: Elena Rose Ritchie, 3-year-old daughter of Destinee Ritchie of Dowelltown. She was also awarded for prettiest smile.

The other contestant was Maelei Gail Dawson, 25-month-old daughter of Pamela and David Dawson of Smithville.

Winner of the Fall Fest Pageant (boys ages 13-24 months): King- Kasen Jacob Franklin, 20-month-old son of Jake and Amanda Franklin of Smithville. He also received the people’s choice optional award.

Winner of the Fall Fest Pageant: (boys ages 1 day to 6 months): King- 6-month-old Paxton Thomas Turner of Smithville. He also received the people’s choice optional award and for prettiest smile.

Winner of the Fall Fest Pageant: (girls ages 1 day to 6 months: Queen- Anyiah Karentyn Lorraine Banks, 2-month-old daughter of Mackenzie Castorena and Carlos Banks of Smithville.

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